Oprah to stand as Charice's godmother, says singer's ma

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – International and local celebrity heavyweights, including American television host Oprah Winfrey, have been invited to become Charice and her younger brother’s godparents in their joint baptism and confirmation this week.

This was confirmed by Charice's mother, Raquel Pempengco.

Charice and Carl will be baptized as Catholics in an undisclosed location on Saturday.

Winfrey, who has been involved in Charice’s international career, and composer-producer David Foster are among the 24 pairs of godparents of Charice and Carl.

As of posting time, there is no word yet if Winfrey will personally attend the event.

CNN has recently interviewed the 18-year-old Filipino pint-sized singer in a feature titled "4'9" with a towering voice."

Charice sat down with reporter and host Shanon Cook to discuss her first self-titled global album and her life when she was still a struggling singer.

"When I was 4 years old she left me (mom) in our home and I sang. My first song was ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ Then my mom discovered me singing on top of the table," Charice said.

Charice, who is now busy promoting her album in the United States, told Cook that her CD reflects the “new me.”

She said: "This is my first time to sing a very light, danceable songs… I must say that this is really the new me, even the style and everything, the image. If you will see the album cover, I mean I can't believe that it is me."

When asked how she reacted when Winfrey described her as the most talented girl in the world, Charice said: "Sincerely I can't believe it until now, I'm shaking. I'm just so thankful to her, to all the people who helped me. To my idol Celine Dion, she told me that we have same things in common. To think that she said that, I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ I was just starting and she is a legendary singer."

Charice launched her album on “The Oprah Winfrey Show’ on May 11, a day after she celebrated her 18th birthday. She is set to hold a post-birthday party with the less fortunate children.